"Seoul to Become a '30-Minute Commute City': Jung Won-oh Unveils Transportation Pledges Including New Eastern Line"

Establishment of the New "Eastern Line" Connecting the Eastern and North-South Corridors
Swift Advancement of Western Line and Gangbuk Transversal Line Construction
Introduction of a Unified Card Combining the Strengths of the Climate Companion

Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul Mayor, announced his key transportation pledge for a "30-minute commute" city under the vision of "Megacity Seoul" on May 7. He stated, "Seoul's current transportation is either congested or unbalanced. Railway projects have stalled, the burden of metropolitan area transportation has increased, and this is blocking balanced development in Seoul."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly's communication office that morning, Jung unveiled his transportation pledges under the themes of "Uninterrupted railway network, non-discriminatory regional development, borderless metropolitan transportation, and Megacity Seoul." The comprehensive strategy is designed to reduce transportation costs and improve mobility efficiency across the greater Seoul area. The core initiatives include: ▲ Construction of a grid (#)-shaped railway network ▲ Introduction of major metropolitan transfer hubs ▲ Creation of new expressways ▲ Launch of the "K Climate Companion Card for All."

Jung Wono, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is announcing his transportation pledges at the National Assembly communication office on May 7, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

New Eastern Line and Complete Grid Railway Network ... Subway Access Within 10 Minutes

Jung plans to establish a "grid-shaped railway network" with the Eastern Line and Western Line as the two main axes, connecting the Gangbuk Transversal Line and the Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX)-D line as the north-south axis. The goal is to ensure that citizens can access subway stations within 10 minutes from anywhere in the city, tightly connecting the entirety of Seoul to achieve balanced development between Gangnam and Gangbuk.

To accomplish this, Jung plans to create a new "Eastern Line" that will connect the north and south of the eastern part of Seoul. The Eastern Line will run from the 4·19 Democratic Cemetery Station, passing through Suyu, Sinimun, Seongsu, Cheongdam, and end at Sports Complex Station.

Plans are also in place to promptly restart construction of the Western Line and the Gangbuk Transversal Line. For the Western Line, which was halted due to budget disputes, a flexible phased system will be introduced to reflect actual construction costs, and early commencement will be promoted by utilizing mechanisms such as arbitration. Regarding the Gangbuk Transversal Line, which failed the preliminary feasibility study, Jung explained that since the government recently revised the system to place more emphasis on balanced regional development, he will actively push the project forward based on these changes.

Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Seoul Mayor, is answering reporters' questions after announcing his transportation pledge at the National Assembly's communication office on May 7, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Addressing concerns about a potential concentration of talent in the Gangnam area due to increased transportation connectivity, Jung said, "The Gangbuk Transversal Line could also be called the 'University Line.' It will connect universities in the Gangbuk area, and by creating startup clusters in Sinchon and Cheongnyangni, graduates will be able to launch businesses and conduct research." He added, "If new business districts are created, we will work with incoming companies so that talent can remain in these areas. While convenient transportation enables people to move, it also encourages people to live in those areas."

The long-awaited Wirye-Sinsa Line will be swiftly promoted as a fiscal project, while Mokdong and Nangok Lines will have their feasibility reinforced by reflecting local balanced development indicators.

Railway Connectivity Enhancement and Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Measures Announced

Jung also plans to strengthen railway connectivity through the extension of the Dongbuk Line (Banghak-Sanggye), increasing capacity of the single-track Bundang Line (Wangsimni-Cheongnyangni section), and extending the GTX-D line. In particular, the GTX-D line extension is under active review to improve east-west mobility in the Gangnam area and alleviate congestion on Subway Line 9.

Jung also announced plans to improve metropolitan transportation to disperse commuter traffic and relieve downtown congestion. A major transfer hub will be established at the Yangjae "Meeting Square" to reduce the number of metropolitan buses entering Gangnam Station. The function of the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal will be relocated to "Yangjae Meeting Square," cutting off intercity bus access to the city center to resolve traffic congestion and environmental pollution.

Integration of Oh Se-hoon's "Climate Companion Card" and the Government's "K-Pass" into a Unified Card

To reduce the burden of public transportation costs, the plan is to introduce the new "K Climate Companion Card for All," which integrates Seoul's existing "Climate Companion Card" with the government's "K-Pass for All." The card will expand coverage nationwide and offer benefits such as a full refund for amounts spent over a fixed monthly fare (62,000 won).

Jung explained, "Since we are only adopting the advantages of both cards, there shouldn't be any disagreements or conflicts. There were places that couldn't be accessed with the Climate Companion Card in Seoul, such as when traveling to Gyeonggi or Incheon, or using metropolitan buses. By combining the strengths of both, we will create a card that can be used throughout Seoul and local areas."

Won Oh, Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is announcing transportation pledges at the National Assembly communication office on May 7, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Regarding the semi-public operation system for city buses in Seoul, Jung stated, "There is a need to supplement the semi-public system. In 2024, Seoul commissioned a service to review bus route reorganization and standard transportation costs, and I understand a reorganization plan has been formulated. If elected, I will review the plan and work with bus operators and transport workers to reach the optimal agreement that maximizes citizens' benefits."

That afternoon, Jung is scheduled to hold his fourth "Jung Won-oh's On-site Roundtable" at the Seoul City Transportation Hall in Songpa District.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.